SVOSH, the student branch of Michigan VOSH-- (Volunteer Optometric Services to Humanity),
is a non-profit, volunteer organization operating exclusively to help provide vision
care to those in areas of the world that would otherwise not receive such care.

Last year Michigan VOSH/FCO went on several mission trips, with Michigan College of
Optometry (MCO) students joining them on at least four trips. In addition to the
students, the mission trips included MCO faculty optometrists, alumni, and other volunteers.
Thanks to their efforts, well over 1,000 eye exams were performed and approximately
1,000 glasses were dispensed to needy individuals on each mission! Hundreds more were given eye medication and/or referred for other medical eye care
including treatment for vision threatening diseases (glaucoma) and corrective surgeries
(cataracts)..

Our vision affects our ability to work, go to school, and function in society. These
are all important parts of daily life that most of us take for granted. In the USA
the number one cause of legal blindness is eye disease. In contrast, the number one
cause of legal blindness in many third world nations is simply a lack of proper eyeglasses.

THERE IS A SOLUTION… THERE IS HOPE… WITH YOUR HELP!

SVOSH (Student Volunteer Optometric Services to Humanity) is a charitable and educational
organization that strives to provide eye care and eyewear to portions of the world
that would otherwise receive no care at all. Our organization is made up of optometry
students that donate their time collecting and preparing used eyeglasses to be taken
on both homeland and overseas missions, where they assist with eye examinations and
eyeglass distribution. We have been providing this service for over 20 years and in
that time have distributed thousands of used eyeglasses and have helped thousands
more accomplish what so many of us take for granted.

The Michigan College of OptometryFerris State University1124 S. State Street, MCO 231Big Rapids, MI 49307

What happens to glasses sent to SVOSH?

Donated glasses are first sorted and categorized by members of the Michigan College
of Optometry SVOSH. This work is part of the volunteer time required in order for
the students to participate in a SVOSH mission. The sorting process involves disposing
of unusable glasses, lenses, and frames (see list below). Usable glasses are further
categorized as male, female, child, sun, reader and specialty glasses. Many glasses
then go to various in state and out of state locations to be cleaned, sorted by prescription,
and labeled as part of service club programs. Finally, mission leaders select the
glasses most appropriate for their mission, and the glasses are packaged and shipped
to the mission location. Each mission trip takes approximately 5,000 pairs of glasses!

What do we need?

Sunglasses - Sunglasses, both Plano (no prescription) and prescription, are always needed. These
are given to all patients receiving an exam. Many of our mission trips are to locations
near the equator, where UV rays from the sun can cause significant damage to the eyes.
For these residents, our sunglasses may be the only source of UV protection available
to them.

Glasses in good condition - Men's, women's, and children's glasses are all in high demand. Broken frames and/or
damaged lenses are disposed of. If in doubt - donate!

Children's frames - Glasses and frames for children are always in short supply. Because of the need, we
have optical companies who will make lenses to match the frame if it does not currently
have lenses.

Readers/bifocals - As readily available as readers are in the United States, they are a precious commodity
in the places we visit. When local residents gradually lose their ability to focus
at near due to natural aging processes, they are forced to give up reading and traditional
handicrafts.

Antique or gold - We accept all antique or gold glasses regardless of the condition. These are sold
for the gold content or as antiques. The money generated is used to help fund the
mission trips.

Eyeglass cases - Due to shipping costs, only cases that are clean and in good condition are actually
taken on mission trips.